a stroke of luck
The hurrying images of that day danced through my mind as a shiver of fear tingled through my body; I feel the awful brooding weight of that time acting on me like a chloroform pad.
As I woke on that fearful morning and arrived at the top of the stairs my world fell apart. My left leg suddenly gave way and I tumbled to the half landing of the stairs. My dear wife came rushing to my aid asking what had happened. As I tried to explain I heard not my own but a different voice not making any sense at all, my left arm dangling useless at my side. Having looked into my eyes she instantly saw my fear as I knew I was suffering from the effects of a stroke. She grasped my hand and with calm reassurance told me that I was having a stroke and not to worry, “I’m here with you and all will be well”. I could not call my wondering thoughts together, a sense of insidious creeping disaster sent shivers down my spine.
After checking me over and with her help and support I managed to get up from the floor and was guided back the short distance to the bedroom, as I rested on the bed she quickly assisted me to dress. Cautiously we made our way downstairs and out into the car, after securing my seatbelt we set off to the hospital. We seemed to get there in no time at all, my wife chattering about future plans and family matters to distract me. I paid little attention as I fixed my gaze on the journey ahead. I felt no more than a helpless vapour enveloped in a cloud of smoke with memories of yesterday.
Having arrived at the accident and emergency department, my wife sat me down and at reception reported that I was having a stroke. Things moved very swiftly from that moment on. Minutes later I was with the triage nurse who did some observations and took a history of the events on that fearful morning from my wife. My blood pressure was very high and a doctor was summoned, upon observation of my flaccid arm she promptly diagnosed that I was indeed having a stroke and would be staying with them. However, due to the Covid-19 restrictions my dear wife was told she could go no further. I was to be escorted by the triage nurse through to the resus team who would take over my care. As we left the room I looked back towards my wife, a frown line had creased between her eyes and somehow she was unable to meet my gaze. Her voice then dropped to a stage whisper, her stare makes me mute, she then stepped forward and kissed me, “you’re in good hands now, you’ll be okay” she said as her bottom lip started to tremble. I must have looked utterly crest-fallen with my head hung low, both of us parted without looking back and the doors closed behind me.
From that moment on I went from one department to another, being cared for and reassured every step of the way. I was swiftly taken to the x-ray department where a CT scan showed I had a clot on my brain. I didn’t have time to take it all in, everything was happening so quickly, I sensed the urgency and from there I was taken straight to the stroke ward where I was given thrombolysis to bust the clot. Bloods, swabs, observations, an ECG, medication and later a further scan followed, I was treated with the utmost care by the doctors and nurses throughout the day. I was kept in overnight for observation and was seen by every discipline you can imagine. Before being discharged I was taken for a third CT scan and informed that everything was clear. Having been informed by the doctor that time was of the essence and that I had my dear wife to thank for her prompt action in getting me to hospital swiftly after having the stroke, I now realise that this was an early warning. I feel it was ’a stroke of luck’ and I am truly blessed to have survived it.
The wonderful care bestowed on me throughout my stay in hospital and the continuing care from the community staff has been unbounded. My recovery is still ongoing and with support from The Stroke Association and my family I am confident that I will achieve a good outcome.
As I reflect on that time I realise it was melancholy that was the dominant note of my temperament, but it was tempered by reoccurrences of faith and simple joy. For every life has its dark and cheerful days; happiness I believe comes from choosing which to remember
‘Life is Fragile; Handle with Prayer’
I’m not complaining just explaining….
How things are now with me
On the morning of the 29th
I had a stroke you see.
I’m not complaining just explaining….
My memory just a blur
Then hands of reassurance
My strength, my wife was there.
I’m not complaining just explaining….
How I felt that day
Inert in terror, lacking strength
Please let me live, I pray.
I’m not complaining just explaining….
Why my writing ended
I needed all my energy
‘Till head and body mended.
I came through to tell my story
One that I survived
And now I wake each morning
To give thanks that I’m alive.
